Rabies Tags & Registration Fees

The most common reason pets are impounded at Animal Care and Control are due to not wearing tags.

The law requires that pets wear current rabies tags.

The rabies identification tag is your pet’s "free phone call home."

If you've moved or changed your phone number be sure to contact your veterinarian and Animal Care & Control.

Lost pets without identification are rarely reunited with their owners.

Any pet can get lost…even yours! That’s why your pet needs to wear its tag!

Registration & Vaccination Ordinance
Pursuant to the Lake County, IL Code of Ordinances Chapter 172, every dog and cat older than 4 months residing in Lake County must be vaccinated against rabies and be registered. The official rabies certificate and fee must be submitted by the owner or caretaker of each animal at the time of rabies vaccination, or within a maximum time period of 30 days after the vaccination. The period of pet registration submitted (1 to 3 years) must agree with that noted on the vaccination certificate you will receive from the veterinarian.

Important note: Registration of all dogs and cats in Lake County must be completed within 30 days after vaccination. Failure to comply may result in additional financial penalties.

Rabies Tag Fees
Dog and cat rabies tag fees are as follows:

1 year neutered/spayed pet - $10

1 year non-neutered/spayed pet - $50

3 year neutered/spayed pet* - $25

3 year non-neutered/spayed pet - $125

* Pets 9 months of age and older must be neutered/spayed on or before the vaccination date to qualify for the reduced fee.

Options - Submitting Your Pet’s Rabies Certificate & Fee

The fastest and most convenient option - register your pet at your Animal Hospital (at the time of vaccination only) and receive your tag immediately.

Send the copies of the rabies certificate and the appropriate registration fee to Animal Care & Control. Make your check or money order payable to the Lake County Health Department. Please do not send cash in the mail.